US President Donald Trump has threatened to open the Strait of Hormuz "one way or another" and has called on countries including China, France and the United Kingdom to send warships to the shipping channel.
Around 20% of the world's oil typically passes through the Strait - making it one of the world's most vital oil transit points.
The strait is almost closed by Iran, putting huge pressure on global supply chains and energy prices.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said yesterday that the route was closed only to tankers and ships belonging to its enemies. And this morning, he added that Tehran was "open to countries that want to talk" about safe passage for ships, the BBC reports.
A number of ships have been attacked while trying to navigate the narrow strait and there are also concerns that Iran has placed mines in the passage as part of its efforts to disrupt shipping.
These include the Thai-flagged ship Mayuree Naree, which was hit while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday morning, the ship's owner told BBC Verify.
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